The Kyauk Ni Maw village in Ramree Township, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), was bombed by the Myanmar military junta’s air force on the afternoon of January 8. According to local residents, the attack resulted in the deaths of over 40 civilians, with nearly 60 others injured.
In addition, over 500 homes were destroyed by fire, along with several fishing boats. Those assisting the affected residents reported that the injured are in urgent need of medical supplies and other forms of aid.
“The junta deliberately targeted the area, resulting in mass civilian casualties. There are also many injured who are in dire need of medical assistance. Providing essential medical treatment is a top priority,” said a volunteer aiding in Ramree Township, speaking to BorderNews Agency.
In the Kyauk Ni Maw area, including the southern, northern, and central wards, as well as the market area, over 500 homes were destroyed by fire. Additionally, local residents reported that some people trapped inside mosques also lost their lives.
The Arakan Army (AA) has fully controlled Ramree Township since March 11 of last year. Kyauk Ni Maw village, located near the Bay of Bengal coastline, holds strategic importance due to its access to water routes connecting to Manaung Township and Kyaukphru Township, according to local Arakan residents.
After the Arakan Army (AA) announced on December 29 that it would seek solutions through political dialogue, locals claim that the Myanmar junta has continued to deliberately target and attack civilians.
“Rakhine people were also affected, but most of the casualties were Muslims. Some were trapped inside mosques. The junta deliberately targeted and killed civilians, committing mass killings,” an Arakan resident told Border News Agency.
In the final stages of the Arakan war, the Myanmar junta has been continuously and deliberately targeting Arakan civilians using heavy artillery, missile strikes, naval forces, fighter jets, and drones, according to local Arakan residents.
During the final phase of the Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully established full control over multiple regions, including Paletwa and townships such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnakyun, Kyaukphru, Mrauk-U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Ramree, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa.
According to local Arakan residents, only the townships of Sittwe, Kyaukphru, and Manaung remain under the control of the Myanmar junta, and there are ongoing military tensions in these areas as well.
While the Arakan Army (AA) has announced its intention to seek a political solution through dialogue, and the Myanmar junta has also stated its willingness to find a political resolution, local Arakan residents report that the junta continues to target and attack civilian areas.
